Over the last 5 years, Better Joy , the project of Bria Keely , has gradually stoked the flames of Manchester’s indie scene. Introspective and emotionally raw lyrics have crafted a unique sound that lies somewhere between The Strokes  and Phoebe Bridgers . The final few months of last year saw the release of her second EP ‘at dusk’, shortly followed by a tour announcement with a run of dates across the UK and Ireland. BOOT caught up with her at her hometown show in the iconic

Georgia Johnson  headlined a sold out show at ARCHIVE in Liverpool on Thursday night, taking to the stage after four other excellent artists from a range of genres had warmed up the crowd. Accompanied by a cellist/banjo player, drummer, lead guitarist, bassist and trumpet player, Georgia Johnson and her band captivated the room at the cosy and intimate venue, but you could easily imagine them selling out much larger venues with their dazzling stage presence. Georgia was clea

Future Yard is expanding, in style. It’s constructing a new building with greater capacity to highlight local acts, there’s going to be more studio space and additional training hours for the young people that they support. Some of them are clearly here this weekend; Geese look-alikes who should probably be revising for their A-levels mixing with the groups of familiar faces who will swear that they saw The Beatles in a venue this size. They’re all the people that Future Yard

The Good Times and HSP Presents have announced So Long Good Friday, a new multi-venue all-dayer in Liverpool showcasing the best new music at an affordable price. In spring 2026, a brand new all-dayer brings some of the most exciting upcoming bands to Liverpool for a multi-venue all-dayer. Taking place on 3rd April, the first edition of So Long, Good Friday already boasts an impressive lineup, including a headline set from rising rock ‘n’ roll cowboys Fat Dog. The London-born

‘Blah Blah Blah’ instantly hurls you into an anti-establishment state of mind as Arizona-born artist Caelen Perkins  declares that “I don’t like your ideologies and I don’t like you”, to the establishment. This may be the black sheep of Perkins' newly released album ‘Rosemond’ ,  but it sure does deliver. Known previously for a blend of Low-fi, Acoustic and Country, he has now put his own twist on Punk, a suitable addition to his anti-ICE album. ‘Blah Blah Blah’ has the spiri

On Friday night, Gorillaz kicked off their ‘The Mountain’ tour at Manchester’s Co-op Live. In what can only be described as a striking, immersive spectacle, Damon Albarn lead the virtual band through a masterclass performance. Every single inch of the stage was utilised by the extensive, diverse array of live instruments, and the on-screen graphics truly transported the audience into their virtual world. Overall, the finely-honed stagecraft and attention to detail was omnipr

Belfast duo Chalk  lay down a collection of tracks that blur the lines between genres and identity. Capturing the volatile and brash sounds of acts such as Fat Dog , Young Fathers  and TOOL , ‘ Crystalpunk’  is an intense, yet emotional reflection on contending with the pressures of everyday life.  Photo Cedit: Patricia Rosingana Opener ‘ Tongue ’ is an industrial, head spinning track that like a factory floor is a layer of mechanical noise. ‘ Pain ’, a groovier track, that f

Dublin Indie outfit Big Sleep were one of our ones to watch in 2026. Why? Because every single track they have released has hooked us in with its own unique personality. From silky indie sounds to angular, punchy singles, their songs always managed to embody a particular emotive theme from start to finish. Their debut album ‘Holy Show’ has well and truly delivered on their promise and given us a wonderful collection of tracks filled with their powerful and poignant spirit. 

‘ Headwind ’ delivers an early taste of summer-infested struggle wrapped in a bittersweet guitar-heavy delight. The Silver Bars  are taking to the spotlight with a sound similar to that of The Mysterines  and Gathering of Strangers , leaving many fans aching for more.  This single is the third to follow the release of the band’s 2023 EPs ‘ Modern Features ’ and ‘ Peace in Our Time ’, defining a new era of music for the five-piece collective. The song travels through a mix of